Viability study of biofilm-former strains from paper industry by flow cytometry with application to kinetic models

Biofouling causes important economic losses in the paper industry. To prevent or mitigate the effects of biofilms it is necessary to implement microbiological control programs that require the evaluation of biofilm growth kinetics taking into account the viability of microorganisms. The monitoring techniques needed for this purpose must be rapid to minimize both costs and the use of chemicals. This paper presents a study on the growth kinetics of two bacterial strains known for their capacity to produce biofilms in paper mills. After the validation of flow cytometry as a technique for microbial growth monitoring, two segregated kinetic models integrating cell physiological state data were implemented. The models developed can be used to devise microbial control programs.

► Biofilm forming microorganisms were studied by means of flow cytometry.
► Cellular states behavior was applied to build a kinetic growth model.
► Different equations for characterization of growth models were studied.
► Kinetic relationships among cell subpopulations are key parameters to fit models.